Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman, acknowledged on Wednesday that internet shutdowns are problematic but noted that the practice predates his tenure. He made these remarks during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, which convened to discuss internet disruptions, VPN registration, and social media regulation.
The PTA Chairman clarified that internet shutdowns are implemented only upon receiving directives from the Ministry of Interior. When questioned about the frequent disruptions, he suggested that the Ministries of Law and Interior are better suited to provide legal justifications for such actions.
One senator raised concerns about the PTA’s authority to block internet access in specific areas, asking where such powers are explicitly stated in the law. In response, the PTA Chairman reiterated that the directives come from the Ministry of Interior, while the Special Secretary of IT explained that suspending internet services is often the only way to block all online content in a given area.
The discussion also revisited past internet shutdowns ordered by the Supreme Court and High Court. A senator urged the Ministry of IT to address legal ambiguities surrounding such directives and, if necessary, seek reviews to clarify the scope of internet restrictions.
Social Media Regulation and Complaints
The PTA Chairman revealed that the authority receives approximately 500 complaints daily regarding objectionable content on social media. While platforms comply with 80% of these requests, 20% of flagged content remains unresolved, raising concerns among committee members about the effectiveness of content regulation.
VPN Registration Progress
On the topic of VPN registration, the PTA Chairman confirmed that the process began on December 19. So far, two internet service providers and one major corporation have applied for licenses. The PTA is also collaborating with the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) to introduce a globally recognized model for VPN services.
Internet Infrastructure and Connectivity
The committee also discussed Pakistan’s internet infrastructure. The PTA Chairman highlighted that Pakistan currently ranks 97th globally in internet speed. However, efforts are underway to improve connectivity, including the addition of the “2 Africa” submarine cable this year and four more submarine cables in the coming years.
Call for Accountability and Legal Reforms
The session concluded with calls for greater accountability and legal clarity regarding internet restrictions. Senators urged the Ministry of IT to address ambiguities in the law and ensure that internet shutdowns are used only as a last resort, with clear legal backing.
